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Low reciprocity rates in acquaintance networks of young adults: fact or artifact?

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Abstract

Empirical studies often report low rates of reciprocity in acquaintance networks. These results, however, are not supported by theoretical assumptions according to which full reciprocity should be assured. To investigate this contradiction, we carried out a full network survey in two longitudinal datasets (N = 213 and N = 197) and identified possible predictors for reciprocity and their development over time. Therefore, we introduce a distinction between active and passive reciprocity. We evaluate indicators for both perceptional errors and factual directedness of links as possible causes for low rates of reciprocity. Results include the following: reciprocity does not increase with the strength of the relation; mutual links are much more stable over time; and personality traits show influences on active and passive reciprocity. Implications of our findings are discussed. There is evidence that crucial differences exist between mutual and non-reciprocated links and that the network integration of an actor is represented rather by the mutual links than by all of the ties.

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Notes

  1. Original questions were: Q 1: Von wem wissen Sie, aus welchem aktuellen Wohnort er/sie kommt?; Q 2: Von wem wissen Sie, ob er/sie in einer festen Beziehung ist oder nicht?; Q 3: Mit wem verbringen Sie Ihre freie Zeit?; Q 4: Mit wem würden Sie über persönliche Probleme reden?.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dresden University of Technology, Department of Sociology, 01062, Dresden, Germany

    Mathias R. Kuhnt & Oliver A. Brust

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  1. Mathias R. Kuhnt
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  2. Oliver A. Brust
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Correspondence to Mathias R. Kuhnt.

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Kuhnt, M.R., Brust, O.A. Low reciprocity rates in acquaintance networks of young adults: fact or artifact?. Soc. Netw. Anal. Min. 4, 167 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13278-014-0167-7

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